Best of

the Twin Cities

Best Lifesaver

CellSlip

It’s not an exaggeration to say Mitch Bain’s invention could save your life — even if you’re not the one that bought it. Bain’s “CellSlip” product isn’t actually a bit of technology, but a device that (temporarily) enforces the absence of technology. The CellSlip is a nylon sleeve that you slide over your smartphone before getting behind the wheel. Your calls, texts, favorites, DMs, and all other alerts will be blocked until you take the sleeve off — after you’ve safely parked. Bain, of Sartell, came up with the idea after his wife was rear-ended by a distracted driver looking down at a phone. His wife and kids were fine, but that compulsive behavior and its sometimes grave consequences are far too common.